CD Reviews

BEST EVER STUDIO ALBUM BY MSB

James T. Mott | O'Fallon, MO USA | 03/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally someone reviews the album who is not from Ohio. that's me. I grew up in St. Louis, MO. St. Louis was Michael's kinda home away from home. For those of you who aren't aware of MSB's long career, they can be best described as the BOB SEGER & THE SILVER BULLET BAND that never made it.

Yes, they are that good! Hands down! I have had the pleasure of seeing MSB 17 times (back in the days). He continues to put out music every bit as good as his 70's recordings today. Just go to michaelstanley.com and see for yourself. In fact all of his albums have been re-released by Line Level recently (much cheaper than what you'll find on ebay, etc).

Now (drum roll please)..... my review.

JUST BUY THE DAMN THING! MONEY BACK GUARANTEED!EVERY SINGLE SONG IS BRILLIANT! EVERY ONE OF THEM!"

It's 10:35 in the Heartland...

Jukebox Graduate | Parma, Ohio USA | 07/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first of more "mainstream pop" music by the Michael Stanley Band. Not that this album doesn't rock out at times, but the growing presence of Kevin Raleigh as a primary writer for the MSB adds more of a "pop" feel.1. I'll Never Need Anyone More (Than I Need You Tonight) - Great opening song, and likely Michael Stanley's longest song title.
2. Lover - A perennial favorite. Great to hear live with the crowd singing the "Thank God for the man who put the white lines on the highway" lyric.
3. Don't Stop The Music - An okay song, but not one of my favorites.
4. He Can't Love You - This Kevin Raleigh song brought much attention to MSB. A GREAT video for this song was filmed in and around Cleveland.
5. Working Again - A fun song, which improves in a live setting.
6. All I Ever Wanted - Should have been a HUGE hit. Go figure.
7. Say Goodbye - An underappreciated song written by Kevin Raleigh.
8. Hearts On Fire - A fun little ditty. You'll find yourself singing along to this song.
9. Voodoo - A rather unique song in the MS catalogue. Very haunting music and lyrics. Nice to see the band taking changes with different styles.
10. Carolyn - An okay song.
11. Save A Little Piece For Me - Same as the previous - an okay song, but not one of MSB's best.
12. He Can't Love You (Live) - This and the following song were originally issued on the "Fourth & Ten... lp, which is currenlty not on cd (but a Summer 2004 release is coming). All 8 tracks from that lp were spread across 4 MSB tracks as bonus tracks, which is quite nice.
13. Lover (Live) - A good representation of how this songs sounded live at Blossom Music Center in 1984 in front of THOUSANDS of MSB fans. Brings back memories of warm summer nights at Blossom.This is a GREAT cd. Get one, put it in your car stereo, go riding, and CRANK IT UP!!!"

This Album Made Cleveland My "Adopted" Home Town

Michael L. Morrow | Southern Ohio United States | 05/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes Cleveland Rocks! And So does the Michael Stanley Band! 1980 I saw MSB LIVE in Cleveland after the Show I immediately Bought the Album. I spent Much of the Next two years Following the Band! All of the songs on this album are great BUT, "Lover" is the quintessential Power Rock Ballad! If you are a fan of Early 80s Power Rock you will love this album!Oh The Memories! The Agora! Blossum! Cleveland Municipal Stadium! Rock On Michael!"

Songs from Home- a must have

bear1821 | Springfield VA | 04/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've searched for years to try to capture the music I was so nuts about as kid in the 'burgh. I finally found Donnie Iris "King Cool" and even better MSB. How they never made it big is beyond me. MSb talks to you on so many levels. Love, loss, a good time with your fiends. If you're from the Cleveland/Pittsburgh area this is a must have album."

Last Great MSB Album

bear1821 | 02/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Clarence Cleamons joins the band for Lover, a bittersweet song on par with Stanley's best. Working Again is impressive as well. He Can't Love You got some national airplay, but may not adequately reflect the best of what MSB had to offer. Overall, a great accompaniment to Stagepass."